A ward closed by a norovirus outbreak at Inverness’s Raigmore Hospital has now reopened.
Deep cleaning of Ward 7C is now complete and new admissions are being taken.
Visitors are also welcome.
However ward 5C remains shut, although deep cleaning is due to start soon.
Dr Adam Brown, Consultant Microbiologist for NHS Highland, thanked everyone for their help and cooperation during this outbreak but he also asked that everyone remain vigilant as norovirus is still present in the community.
He said: “I’m pleased that we’ve been able to reopen Ward 7C and would like to thank members of the public for their cooperation and understanding during this period of closure.
“I would, however, like to remind people that Norovirus is still very active in the community so we would ask that everyone remain vigilant.
“If you, or anyone you live with, has had had any vomiting or diarrhoea within the previous 72hrs please do not come into the hospital. By doing this we will be able to reduce, as much as we can, the chance of norovirus coming back into the hospital.”
Iona McGauran, interim lead nurse for Raigmore Hospital, praised all the staff for their hard work during the outbreak.
She said: “The ward staff and our infection prevention and control team have done an excellent job in keeping this outbreak as contained as much as possible while also ensuring that patients were getting the best possible care.
“Our domestic staff have again played a huge part and have done a sterling job in cleaning which has allowed us to reopen the ward.”
Mrs McGauran explained that while Ward 7C has reopened to admissions and visitors, and a deep clean will soon start on Ward 5C with a view to reopening, there are still some minor restrictions in terms of visiting.
She said: “We appreciate how difficult it is having loved ones in hospital and that you will want to be with them as much as you can but we would ask that there is a limit of two visitors per patient and that visiting hours are adhered to.
“I would also reiterate the advice already given that if you or anyone you live with, has had had any vomiting or diarrhoea within the previous 72hrs please do not come into the hospital.
“The nurse in charge on the ward will be happy to discuss visiting arrangements with you if there is a particular need for you to visit out with our general visiting times.”